Discreet information system

ABSTRACT

A pioneering information system providing improved acquisition, communication, and management of mobile element-related information, preferably through embedded manufacturing. Information modules, utilizing communications elements and information operations elements, are positioned proximate to the mobile element. The communications elements utilize discreet sensors and receivers; as well as discreet transmitters for transmitting the mobile element-related information. The information operations elements utilize discreet processors and data storage elements to process and manage the mobile element-related information. Carriers may be used to more effectively position the information modules proximate to the mobile elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to my related U.S. provisionalutility patent application Ser. No. 60/531,963, filed Dec. 23, 2003,entitled “DISCREET INFORMATION SYSTEMS”. The related application is notadmitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by itsmention in this cross-reference section.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This pioneering invention relates to discreet acquisition,communication, and management of information involving mobile elements.

BACKGROUND

Typically, antitheft devices are attached to merchandise to cause alarmsto go off when the merchandise is stolen from a store without theantitheft device being removed. Such devices are inadequate becausethieves can simply find the device on the item, remove the device fromthe merchandise, and then depart from the store. For example, leatherjackets and other expensive items are often tagged with magnetic devicesor devices that explode with ink when removed. Skilled thieves can findthis security device and remove it using the same removal devices usedby stores. The thief then walks out with the leather jacket, undetected.If the thief were unable to find the security device on the jacket, hecould not remove it. Furthermore, if the security device wasmanufactured into the lining of the jacket, the thief would have to tearapart the jacket to find the device, destroying that which was sought bythe thief. As a result, antitheft devices and methods, wherebytransmitters are manufactured directly into discreet portions of itemstargeted by thieves, such that thieves cannot tell where the securitydevice is on the item, are highly desirable. In addition, apparatus andsoftware capable of visually tracking merchandise and other mobile itemson a monitor, in real time, is highly desirable.

In addition, information involving mobile elements is typically acquiredvisually, such as by reading information, such as names and/ordestinations, printed directly on a carrier of a mobile element, such asa postal container. Such systems are inadequate because millions ofmobile elements are processed daily utilizing either (a) the vision ofhuman laborers, (b) scanners (using a bar code), and/or (c) computerswhich can “read”. For example, United States Postal Service (USPS)employees must properly orient mail parcels in order for a computer to“read” the destination information written on the envelope or package.This process is time, labor, and cost intensive, as well as occasionallyunreliable, as poor handwriting sometimes results in misrouting of thepackage by a computer which is only capable of “reading” neathandwriting. Furthermore, when a postal container, such as an ExpressMail envelope, is sent to the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), PTOemployees must sort out the nature of the package, such as whether itcontains a provisional or non-provisional application. Informationcontained in the cover sheet of such applications, such as applicantnames and application types, must be visually read and processed by PTOemployees. As a result, an automated and discreet processing system forhigh package-volume recipients, such as the USPS or PTO, which canupload and process information from each package, without visuallyreading or scanning the information, would be highly desirable. Inaddition, failure of the envelope to reach the PTO may result in theloss of an earlier filing date. Generally, the PTO can send a returnreceipt post card to the sender of a patent application, however, thisreceipt takes several days to receive. As a result, an instantaneoussystem informing a sender when his package is being opened, would alsobe highly desirable.

A primary object and feature of this pioneering invention is to provideimproved acquisition, communication, and management of mobileelement-related information, where current systems are occasionallyunreliable, as well as time, labor, and cost intensive. Another objectof the present invention is to provide an unnoticeable antitheftmechanism. A further object of the present invention is to providemodules for improved acquisition, communication, and management ofmobile element-related information, utilizing discreet transmitters,receivers, sensors, processors, and/or data storage elements. Otherobjects and features of this invention will become apparent withreference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A pioneering information system providing improved acquisition,communication, and management of mobile element-related information,preferably through embedded manufacturing. Information modules,utilizing communications elements and information operations elements,are positioned proximate to a mobile element, such as a patentapplication. For example, a carrier, such as a cardboard USPS expressmail envelope, with an information module manufactured into theenvelope, may be used to more effectively position the informationmodule proximate to the patent application. The sender then programs theinformation module by transmitting the destination information from asender station to the information module located on the postalcontainer. The communications element utilizes discreet sensors,receivers, and transmitters for receiving information from the sender'slabeling station. For example, the communications element is capable oftransmitting information to a USPS station and a PTO station, sensingwhen a postal container has been opened, transmitting when a postalcontainer has been opened, and/or performing other related functions.The information operations element utilizes discreet processors and datastorage elements to process and manage the information, such as thedestination information specific to a postal container.

What is claimed is a discreet information system, used to provide mobileelement-related information involving at least one mobile element,comprising, in combination: a plurality of information modules locatedproximate to the at least one mobile element, wherein the plurality ofinformation modules comprise at least one communications element, andwherein the at least one communications element comprises at least onetransmitter and wherein at least one of said plurality of informationmodules is embedded in at least one carrier. Also, a system wherein theplurality of information modules comprise at least one sensor. Also, asystem wherein the plurality of information modules comprise at leastone receiver. Also, a system wherein the plurality of informationmodules comprise at least one information operations element. Also, asystem wherein the plurality of information modules comprise at leastone processor. Also, a system wherein the plurality of informationmodules comprise at least one data storage element. Also, a systemwherein at least one of the at least one transmitters transmits at afrequency greater than 1.6 gigahertz. Also, a system wherein the atleast one mobile item is shipped through postal systems.

In addition, what is claimed is a system wherein the at least onecarrier comprises at least one weapon. Also, a system wherein the atleast one carrier comprises at least one document. Also, a systemwherein the at least one carrier comprises at least one attacher. Also,a system wherein the at least one carrier comprises at least onecontainer. Also, a system wherein the at least one carrier comprises atleast one transporter. Also, a system wherein the at least one carriercomprises at least one barrier. Also, a system wherein the at least onecarrier comprises at least one sellable.

In addition, what is claimed is a system further comprising at least onestation, wherein the at least one weapon is a firearm, the firearmcomprises at least one remediator, the at least one communicationselement comprises at least one receiver, the at least one stationcomprises at least one key, the at least one key comprises at least onesecond information module, the at least one second information modulecomprises at least one second communications element, and the at leastone second communications element comprises at least one secondtransmitter which transmits to the firearm and activates the at leastone remediator when the at least one key is outside of a particularradius of the firearm.

In addition, what is claimed is a system wherein the at least oneattacher attaches at least one of the plurality of information modulesto at least one soldier, and the information module attached to at leastone soldier comprises at least one input structured and arranged toinput at least one order on a battlefield without speaking.

In addition, what is claimed is a system further comprising at least onestation, wherein said at least one station comprises at least onepharmacy, at least one of the plurality of information modules comprisesat least one medical establishment, at least one of the plurality ofinformation modules comprises at least one input structured and arrangedto input prescriptions, and the prescriptions are transmitted from theat least one medical establishment to the at least one station.

In addition, what is claimed is a system wherein at least one of theplurality of information modules comprise at least one station, the atleast one station comprises at least one information operations element,the at least one information operations element comprises at least onedata processor, and the at least one communications element comprises atleast one receiver. Also, a system wherein the at least one stationcomprises at least one input. Also, a system wherein the at least onestation comprises at least one output. Also, a system wherein at leastone of the plurality of information modules comprises at least onehousing, and the at least one housing comprises at least one liquid. Inaddition, what is claimed is a system wherein at least one of theplurality of information modules comprise at least one remediator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a prior art mobile element-related informationacquisition system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of system 100 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an information module.

FIG. 4 is another diagram of an information module.

FIG. 5 a is a diagram of a station.

FIG. 5 b is a doctor's station according to an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 c is a soldier's station according to an alternative embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a birds-eye view of a railroad system according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a prior art express mail envelope.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an express mail envelope according tothe best mode of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a first station according to the best mode of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a second station according to the best mode of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a third station according to the best mode of the presentinvention and a fourth station demonstrating mobile item positiontracking software according to the best mode of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a fifth station according to the best mode of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a sixth station according to the best mode of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a housing.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a second housing.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a third housing.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of fourth housing.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an attacher according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of sellables according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of documents according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of weapons according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-21, system 100 comprises information modules 103,utilized to provide improved acquisition, communication, and managementof mobile element-related information 104 involving a mobile element102, where information 304 acquired using prior art methods is time,labor, and cost intensive, as well as occasionally inconvenient orunreliable, as discussed in the Background Section and shown in FIG. 1.“Primary” information modules 103, shown in the FIGS. as informationmodules 103 a, are generally located proximate to a mobile element 102.“Secondary” information modules 103, shown in the FIGS. as informationmodules 103 b, are generally located at any other location providing forimproved acquisition of mobile element-related information 104, such asstations 140 and proximate locations 302, as shown in FIG. 2. Mobileelements 102 comprise any elements that are physically mobile, such asUS patent application papers. Under appropriate circumstances,considering issues such as laws, management, technology, cost, culture,etc., other mobile elements 102, such as letters, other papers,packages, bags, luggage, digital media, personal items, products,merchandise, sellables, cargo, payloads, assets, towels, pillows, otherhotel items, balls, other sports apparatus, sensors, guns, bullets,other deadly projectiles, other weapons, currency, keys, elementscontained in luggage, elements shipped through postal systems such asUSPS, Federal Express (FedEx), and United Parcel Service (UPS),athletes, searchers, other people, air, water, other fluids, light,other elements shipped by trains, other elements shipped by 18-wheelers,other elements shipped by planes, other elements shipped by boats,elements shipped by other shipping vehicles, other commercial elements,other items and elements mobilized in bulk, etc., may suffice.

Mobile element-related information 104 comprises any information relatedto mobile elements 102, such as the address of the PTO and otherdestination information regarding a patent application. Underappropriate circumstances, considering issues such as technology, cost,management, etc., other mobile element-related information 104, such asoriginating locations, intermediate stopping locations, previousdestinations, previously occupied locations, current position (such asfor antitheft detection), distances, names, addresses, zip codes, phonenumbers, email addresses, flight information, hazards, quantities,physical properties, geometries, dimensions, material types, conditions,monetary amounts, nationality, ethnicity, heights, weights, otherattributes, colors, mechanical properties, fluid properties, inertialproperties, changes in conditions, other personal information, othersensed information, other technical information, other geographicalinformation, etc., may suffice.

Carriers 101 comprise any element, such as an express mail envelope,which allows at least one primary information module 103 a to remainproximate to at least one mobile element 102, such as a patentapplication. Carrier 101 may comprise the mobile element 102 inquestion. Under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such ascost, technology, market demand, culture, etc., other carriers 101, suchas: bullets, guns, missiles, firearms, knives, other sharp objects,grenades, other explosives, flame throwers, other weapons 190, as shownin FIG. 21; passports, identifications, books, credentials, references,papers, other documents 191, as shown in FIG. 20; stickers, tags,stamps, labels, straps, collars, fasteners, buckles, hooks, grips,snaps, Velcro™, magnets, clips, paper clips, Other attachers 192, asshown in FIG. 18; automobiles, trains, 18-wheelers, planes, helicopters,wagons, carts, other vehicles, boats, other floaters, bikes, tools,vessels, motorcycles, hair, teeth, other portions of a person, balloons,other transporters 193, as shown in FIG. 11; other envelopes, boxes,bags, briefcases, luggage, suitcases, crates, pallets, trays, holders,vents, receptacles, canisters, receptacles, bottles, housings, othercontainers 194, as shown in FIG. 8; capsules, housings, libraries,dealerships, warehouses, stores, other storage facilities, otherprotective configurations, flooring, walls, fences, portions of awindow, tile, carpet, concrete, brick, rubber, drywall, wood, brick,other flooring materials, other potentially solid and flat materials,pathways, railroad tracks, airplane runways, freeways, other barriers195, as shown in FIG. 6; groceries, products, assets, property, goods,merchandise, apparel, other sellables 196; etc., may suffice.

For example, a primary information module 103 a could comprise a weapon190 such as a bullet or missile, embedded in the shell, as shown in FIG.21. In another example, a primary information module 103 a couldcomprise a document 191 such as an international passport, wherein theinformation module 103 is embedded in one of the pages. In yet anotherexample, a primary information module 103 a could comprise documents 191such as a book, embedded in the cover. In another example, a primaryinformation module 103 a could comprise an attacher 192 such as asticker or label, which comprises a print layer and an adhesive layerwhich can thus be attached to a mobile element 102, such as an envelope,much like a modern one inch square postage stamp attaches to anenvelope. In another example, a primary information module 103 a couldcomprise an attacher 192 such as a strap, which can then be attached toa handle on a mobile element 102 such as a suitcase (replacing thelittle paper tags handed out by airlines for writing your address on andattaching to the suitcase handle). In yet another example, a primaryinformation module 103 a could comprise an attacher 192 such as a magnetsuch that it can be thrown onto a mobile element 102 wherein the magnetwill stick to the mobile element 102. In another example, a primaryinformation module 103 a could comprise an attacher 192 such as ananimal collar or children's clothing, such that, for example, the collartransmits to a secondary information module 103 b, and an open door isclosed so as to prevent a dog from otherwise running away or preventingan infant from accessing a pool area. In yet another example, a primaryinformation module 103 a could comprise a transporter 193 such as atrain, such as the sliding side door of a train. In another example, aprimary information module 103 a could comprise a transporter 193 suchas an airplane, such as a window, landing gear, or portion of theairplane's hull. In yet another example, a primary information module103 a could comprise a transporter 193 such as a ship, such as the hull,motor, or rudders of the ship. In another example, a primary informationmodule 103 a could comprise a container 194 such as a cargo crate, suchas embedding it within the wall of the cargo crate. In yet anotherexample, a primary information module 103 a could comprise a container194 such as a cardboard box, such as the lid or a flap on the cardboardbox. In another example, a primary information module 103 a couldcomprise a container 194 such as a canister, such as the lid (a plasticlid could be manufactured with a primary information module 103 a sealedinside). In yet another example, a primary information module 103 acould comprise a container 194 such as a suitcase, such that the ownerof the suitcase could transmit (from a station 140, discussed below)their name, address, phone number, and other information to thesuitcase, before they even use the suitcase on a flight, eliminating theneed for the little paper tags handed out by airlines for attaching toyour suitcase handle. In another example, a primary information module103 a could comprise portions of both a container 194 and barrier 195such as a house, such as flooring, roofing, tile, vents, appliances,carpet, lights, countertops, concrete, shelves, cabinets, etc. In yetanother example, a primary information module 103 a could comprise acontainer 194 and merchandise 196 such as the plastic jewel casing of amusical compact disc, and/or the actual disc itself, so as to preventtheft. In another example, a primary information module 103 a couldcomprise a container 194 such as a bottle, embedded in the glass,plastic, or any other material comprising the bottle. In yet anotherexample, a primary information module 103 a could comprise portions of abarrier such as a window, such as the glass, plastic, curtains, orblinds. In another example, as shown in FIG. 6, a primary informationmodule 103 a could comprise a barrier 195, such as flooring, drywall,wood, pathways, brick, concrete, the interior portion of a pool, etc. Inyet another example, a primary information module 103 a could comprisemerchandise 196 such as hoses, tanks, helmets, suits, tools, etc.

Information module 103 is preferably discreet and inconspicuous. Asshown in FIG. 3, information module 103 may comprise a communicationselements 105 and/or an information operations elements 119. Informationmodule 103 may also comprise its own energy source 114. Informationmodule 103 is preferably less than 1000 cubic millimeters in volume, andmanufactured or discreetly embedded into a carrier 101 or directly intoa mobile element 102, so as not to be visible, as shown in FIG. 19. Inthe case of purchased items, such as DVD's, a thief who would otherwisetear off a security device, will be unable to determine where exactlythe information module 103 is located on the item. The position ofinformation modules 103 could be changed periodically, such as by theitem's manufacturer, so as to reduce the chances of people learning(such as thieves conspiring with employees) where the information module103 is on a particular item (potentially allowing them to remove it).Information module 103 may also comprise a housing 170 and/or aremediator 160. Information module 103 may also comprise means forabsorbing energy and/or preventing damage to information module 103,such as springs, compressors, tensioners, insulators, coolers, heaters,seals, cushions, fluids, and/or dampeners.

As shown in FIG. 4, communications element 105 may comprise atransmitter 108, a sensor 106, a receiver 112, and/or any otherapparatus that collects and/or distributes mobile element-relatedinformation 104. “Primary” communications elements 105 represent allcommunications elements 105 comprising “primary” information modules 103a. “Secondary” communications elements 105 represent all communicationselements 105 comprising “secondary” information modules 103 b.

As shown in FIG. 4, information operations element 119 may comprise aprocessor 120, a data storage element 122, and/or any other apparatusthat processes, stores, modifies, and/or organizes mobileelement-related information 104. “Primary” information operationselements 119 represent all information operations elements 119comprising “primary” information modules 103 a. “Secondary” informationoperations elements 119 represent all information operations elements119 comprising “secondary” information modules 103 b.

Transmitter 108 is preferably discreetly micro-size or smaller where itcomprises a primary information module 103 a. Transmitter 108 preferablyadds negligible weight to a mobile element 102 and/or a carrier 101,where transmitter 108 comprises a primary information module 103 a.Transmitters 108 are used to transmit information 104 betweeninformation modules 103, preferably transmitting at a frequency greaterthan 1.6 gigahertz so as to provide increased data transfer rates andincreased transmission ranges. Under appropriate circumstances,considering issues such as cost, technology, market demand, etc., othertransmissions, such as electrical, radio, microwave, infrared, visible,ultraviolet, x-ray, gamma, frequencies equal to or less than 1.6gigahertz, etc., may suffice. Reference transmitters may also beutilized, comprising global positioning system (GPS), stationarytransmitters, and/or any other system used to provide some sort ofreference position. When the signals from reference transmitters arecombined with the transmitted signal from a transmitter 108, theposition of the transmitter 108, and the approximate position of themobile element 102, can be determined.

Receiver 112 is preferably discreetly micro-size or smaller where itcomprises an information module 103 a. Receiver 112 may be any size,where it comprises a secondary information module 103 b. Receivers 112and transmitters 108, together in any portion of system 100, maycomprise transceivers.

Sensor 106 is preferably discreetly micro-size or smaller. Sensor 106may be a camera, a microphone, and/or a microcircuit which transmitswhen the circuit is broken, such as when an express mail envelope isopened (the tear-away opening strip 413, as shown in FIG. 8, on theenvelope, can cause a circuit to break and a transmission to occur).Under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost,technology, safety, market demands, etc., other sensors 106, such assensors capable of detecting velocities and changes in velocity,directions and changes in direction, forces and changes in forces,geometry and changes in geometry, materials and changes in material,energy and changes in energy, fire, smoke, hazardous materials, anyother information indicating at least one undesirable condition,magnetic fields and changes in magnetic fields, sound and changes insound, light and changes in light, other vibrations and frequencies suchas electric, radio, television, microwave, infrared, visible,ultraviolet, x-ray, and/or gamma, as well as changes in frequency,detonation, temperatures and changes in temperature, health conditions,such as heart rates, blood pressure, emotions, fluids and fluidproperties, pressures and changes in pressure, volumes and changes involume, biohazards, precipitation, mass and inertial changes,obstructions, etc., may suffice.

To provide an example, sensor 106 can be used on a cargo crate to detectwhen the crate is being opened. If the position of a cargo crate istransmitted as being only half way to its destination, and atransmission is received indicating that the cargo crate has beenopened, action could be taken to prevent a possible theft. In anotherexample, sensor 106 can be used on tanker trunks, canisters, and/orother containers, to detect changes in temperature. In yet anotherexample, sensor 106 can be used on baggage to detect fire on anairplane. In another example, sensor 106 can be used on postalcontainers to detect the presence of hazardous materials. In yet anotherexample, sensor 106 can be used on a searching scuba diver, such aswetsuits, air tank, and/or any other portion of a diver. Air tanksensors 106 could be utilized to detect (which can be transmitted to astation 140 user outside of the water) how much air is left in the tank(such a station 140 user can manage the safety and efficiency of all ofthe divers). Positional information can also be correlated utilizing aprocessor 120 to determine which areas underwater have already beensearched by the divers. In another example, sensor 106 can be used on asearcher moving through earthquake debris, such as a microphone, wherebysound, vibrations, and positional information can be correlated by aprocessor 120 to determine the location of people or animals buried inthe debris. In yet another example, sensor 106 can be used on afirefighter's suit or air tank, such as microphones (for detecting noisefrom people and animals still alive inside a fire-danger zone) and airtank sensors 106 detect (which can be transmitted to a station 140 useroutside of the fire-danger zone) how much air is left in the tank, aswell as health-related sensors 106 which detect the heart rate of thefirefighter and other health related information (such a user can managethe safety and efficiency of all of the firefighters). In anotherexample, sensor 106 can be used on bullets 710, clips 711, guns 712, orother deadly projectiles and weapons, as shown in FIG. 21, such that asound detector (or some other means for detecting people, targets, etc.)comprises the bullet and can detect voices, breathing, or a heart pulse,if someone is still alive in a targeted location. In yet anotherexample, sensor 106 can be used, as shown in FIG. 6, on carriers 101,such as rails 226, tracks 225, wigwams 224, and/or other portions ofpathways (which are barriers 195 between the ground and transporterssuch as a train 222) at proximate locations 302, so as to detect thepresence of objects, such as cars 220, people, trees, power lines, etc.,impeding the path of a train 222, which would collide with the train 222(such information could then be transmitted to a station 140 ahead oftime so that a remedy could be implemented, such as removal of theimpediment). A remediator 160, such as an autonomous braking device 228could be attached to the train that causes a braking signal or causesthe train to autonomously brake. In another example, sensor 106 can beused in or on the wall of a pool, such that the presence of chlorine,other chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or other pool transients, could bedetected (useful for keeping the pool safe to swim in). A remediator160, such as a device that autonomously adds more chemicals (chlorine,etc.), could be implemented so that people do not have to manage thepool. The pool walls could also have sensors 106 that detect the body ofa swimmer (useful in races for determining who touched the wall first)and/or other elements associated with pools. In yet another example,sensor 106 can be used on flooring, to detect the presence of spills,water, grease, and/or other slippery elements, so that slips and fallscan be prevented (the detected information 104 would then be transmittedto a station 140, resulting in (a) a sign is turned on which outputs“caution: floor is slippery”, (b) a person being told to go dry thefloor, and/or (c) some other remedy). In another example, sensor 106 canbe used on any portion of a window, such as glass, plastic, curtains, orblinds, to detect precipitation or light, such that curtains, blinds, orother blockers can close automatically (the blocker could gradually andpartially open or close as more or less light enters the window). In yetanother example, sensor 106 can be used on oil pans, brakes, and/orother portions of a vehicle, in order to detect inner and/or outerleaking by precipitation, automotive fluids, and/or other fluids. Inanother example, sensor 106 can be used on hulls of aircraft andwatercraft, so as to detect inner and/or outer leaking of water,precipitation, automotive fluids, and/or other fluids. In yet anotherexample, sensor 106 can be used on, near, or proximate to the ends ofair conditioning fans, vents, refrigerators, generators, etc., so as toprovide temperatures specific to portions of an air-conditioned space,providing for greater energy efficiency (such information could becompiled and regulated by a processor 120, such as a processor 120comprising a thermostat or some other condition regulation station 140).A remediator 160 could then regulate temperature, flow, etc., by closingthe vent, adjusting thermostat settings, etc.

Processor 120 is preferably discreetly micro-size or smaller where itcomprises a primary information module 103 a. Processor 120 preferablycomprises a hand held or personal computer, where it comprises aninformation module 103 b. Processors 120 comprising primary informationmodules 103 a, may be reconfigured or reprogrammed without takingprimary information module 103 a apart, if commands are transmitted toprimary information module 103 a, utilizing a receiver 112 comprisingthe transmittee information module 103.

Data storage element 122 comprises any memory device for storinginformation. Data storage element 122 is preferably discreetlymicro-size or smaller memory where it comprises a primary informationmodule 103 a. Preferably, where data storage element 122 comprises asecondary information module 103 b, data storage element 122 is a harddrive and/or any other standard industry memory element.

An energy source 114 that is powering any portion of system 100 wouldpreferably be a discreetly micro-size or smaller power source. An energysource 114 which is powering any portion of a station 140 is preferablya traditional battery, such as a nickel-cadmium battery. An energysource 114 which is powering a personal computer or sorting station 140may be an AC/DC plug in cord. Under appropriate circumstances,considering issues such as technology, cost, effectiveness, etc., otherenergy sources 114, such as crystals, solar, sub-atomic, kinetic, fluid,chemical, hydroelectric, photovoltaic, wind, biomass, geothermal,radiation, nuclear, fossil fuels, body heat, other sources of energylocal to system 100, etc., may suffice.

In addition, several communications elements 105 could be placed broadlyover the interior surface of a mobile element 102 or carrier 101, so asto provide a processor 120 with a positional image of all portions of,for example, a crate, so as to provide some indication of tampering withthe crate on a portion of the crate not comprising the lid, such as if athief was cutting a hole in the back of a crate. Furthermore, sensors106 with high surface area, such as wires, could be manufactured into asubstantial portion of a carrier 101 or mobile element 102, such as awindow, container, etc., canvassing the entire carrier 101 or mobileelement 102 with a web of sensing elements.

Information modules 103 may also comprise an output 150, as shown inFIG. 5 a, such as a display, digital screen, touchpad interactivescreen, scoreboard, billboard, ticker, monitor, television, voiceinteractive medium, printer, other visual communications systems, etc.Information modules 103 may also comprise an input 151, such as akeyboard, voice recognition device, mouse, touchpad interactive screen,etc.

As shown in FIG. 5 a, stations 140 comprise information modules 103,preferably secondary information modules 103 b. For example, labelingsystems, such as a home computer, where mobile element-relatedinformation 104 can be input into the home computer and transmitted toan information module 103. For instance, a labeling station 140 may beplaced in every household, such that names, addresses, postage fees, andother information 104 does not need to be written on or attached tocarriers 101 or mobile elements 102, such as envelopes, stickers,labels, boxes, etc. Such information 104 can be input into the labelingstation 140 and transmitted to the information module 103 comprising thecarrier 101 (such as the sticker, label, or box). Such information 104would then be received and uploaded to a mobile element 102 recipient'sdatabase (such as the PTO's database), computer, network, etc., withoutthe recipient ever having to type or input the information 104. Inanother example, sorting stations 140, preferably autonomous, could beinstalled at factories, stores, USPS, FedEx, UPS, the PTO, airports,etc., replacing people and providing automated sorting by zip code,street address, name, country, flight number, weights, monetary values,other mobile element-related information 104, etc. In yet anotherexample, hand held device stations 140, such as personal digitalassistants (PDA's), can provide an index of all mobile elements 102 (andattributes such as destination or weight) under the management of thehand held device user. In another example, tracking-party systems, suchas an armored car service, which can track the path of a valuable mobileelement 102, and react where such a mobile element 102 deviates from apredetermined path. Stations 140 may also be utilized by Coast Guard orpolice to track the positions of rescue and search team members. In yetanother example, cargo vehicle inspection stations 140, for largecarriers 101, such as 18-wheelers, trains, planes, etc., such that if asensor 106 detects a break in the seal of any boxes, crates, or othersmall carriers 101 (or changes in weight, carrier 101 positions, etc.Such mobile element-related information 104 could then be transmitted tothe cargo vehicle inspection point for cross-referencing with a previousinspection, to determine if the configuration and/or contents of thelarge carrier 101 have changed since the last inspection. In anotherexample, military devices, such as wristband stations 140, can track theposition of soldiers, tanks, missiles, weapons, etc. In yet anotherexample, emergency service providers' communications stations 140, suchas police stations, fire departments, hospitals, veterinarians, otherlaw enforcement and medical service providers, etc., so as toinstantaneously provide them with mobile element-related information104. In another example, sprinkler systems, which can put out a fire ifa sensor 106 (comprising an information module 103) detects smoke. Inyet another example, computer stations 140, such as portable laptops andnetworks, can provide an index of all mobile elements 102 (andattributes such as destination or weight) under the management of thecomputer user. In another example, large carriers 101 which are servingsmall carriers 101, such as a boat (which is a large carrier 101) servesscuba divers (who are small carriers 101 of cameras and other sensors).In yet another example, thermostats, pool water testing devices,cockpits, other conditions regulation-related stations, etc. In anotherexample, checkpoints, such as on an airport luggage conveyor belt, whichinventory luggage after a plane arrives. Alternatively, a checkpointstation 140 could be placed in grocery stores, shops, and smallbusinesses, whereby a patron purchasing mobile items 102, for example,candy and a container of soda, would simply walk by the checkpoint. Theinformation 104, such as the price of the gum and soda, would transmitto the checkpoint, which receives the information, totals the price, andpresents the “total price” information back to the patron.Alternatively, the patron could allow for automatic debit from apersonal account, such as a credit account, which would allow for atransaction to occur in a split second, as the patron walks past thecheckpoint out of the store. Alternatively, an indicator, such as alight or voice which says “thank you”, comprising the checkpoint couldprovide the patron and store with an indication that the transaction wasproperly completed (or not completed at all), so as to prevent patronsfrom knowingly and unknowingly walking passed the checkpoint with theitems and out of the store without paying. Alternatively, the checkpointcould comprise a means for accounting for items carried by the patron,such as a weighing system, which would compare a reference weight, suchas the weight of a shopping cart without the items, to a purchasingweight, such as the weight of a shopping cart with the items, to preventtheft where an information module 103 has been removed from one of theitems purportedly purchased. The checkpoint could comprise a gatewaystation 140 (which patrons walk through), a portion of a wall, or mayeven comprise shopping carts, such that a buyer knows the their “totalprice” as they shop.

Stations 140 may also be utilized for more advanced tasks. For example,an airport station 140 could be utilized to determine weightdistributions on airplanes. If the weight of each piece of cargo orbaggage is known (baggage is often weighed upon airport check-in), andairport station 140 collects the weight and positional information foreach piece of baggage on a particular airplane, by receiving atransmission from each piece of baggage, the processor 120 comprisingthe airport station 140 (utilizing customized software which plotspoints and vectors within the volume of the airplane) can determine ifan unreasonable and/or unsafe weight distribution exists on thatairplane. In addition, sensors 106 and transmitted positionalinformation can be used to confirm contact with, or the destruction of,a target, where a carrier 101, such as a bullet or missile (mobileelement 102 is gun powder, explosives, etc.), comprises a primaryinformation module 103 a. A processor 120 could then plot out a gridshowing points of impact, targets, soldiers, etc.

Referring to the cross-sectional FIGS. 14-17, housing 170 preferablycomprises a first housing 172, a second housing 174, an informationmodule 103, and a fluid 176, as shown in FIG. 15. Second housing 174preferably encapsulates at least one information module 103 and fluid176. First housing 172 preferably encapsulates second housing 174,whereby fluid 176 preferably fills the space exterior to second housing174 and interior to first housing 172. Surface tension and compressiveproperties of fluid 176 are utilized to absorb the kinetic energy ofinformation module 103 and second housing 174 (such energy being createdwhenever housing 170 is involved in a collision). Such a configurationprovides protection for the structure of the information module 103,where information module 103 may comprise a mobile element 102 or acarrier 101 which is susceptible to impact. For example, portions of aninformation module 103, comprising a mobile element 102, such as abullet, will probably be damaged when the bullet collides with a target.Additional liquids, such as the second fluid 177 shown in FIG. 16, andvarious housing 170 geometries (although FIGS. 14-17 show the preferredthree-dimensionally symmetric housing), may be used to controlproperties such as dampening coefficients, buoyancy, compression,surface tension, etc. Fluids may also be on the interior of secondhousing 174, as well as submerging information module 103, as shown inFIG. 14. More than one fluid may also be used, manipulating the variousbuoyancies of the fluids, as shown in FIG. 17. Conductive fluids mayalso be utilized to provide electrical transmission.

Remediator 160 is any device which autonomously remedies an undesirablecondition and/or predetermined condition, such as the braking device 228shown in FIG. 6, a device which releases chemicals (such as chlorine)into a pool upon detection of an undesirable predetermined condition(such as a high bacteria count), or some other effectuator. Remediator160 preferably comprises an information module 103, which allowsremediator 160 to receive transmissions from other information modules103. Remediator 160 may be located anywhere in which a remedy may beintroduced to a mobile element-related system. To provide anotherexample, a gun 712, comprising an information module 103 a, could alsocomprise a gun control remediator 160 which autonomously disables thefiring ability of gun 712 (when the authorized user is not intransmission range of the gun), such as a locking mechanism 780,preferably micro-size or smaller, preferably located near the trigger(or some other apparatus for preventing the gun from firing). Morespecifically, an information module 103 b comprising a key 781,preferably on the authorized gun user, such as on the authorized gunuser's hand 782, could transmit to gun 712, unlocking gun 712 andallowing gun 712 to fire. Such an information module 103 b couldcomprise a ring or wristwatch worn on the shooting hand of an authorizeduser, which transmits and unlocks gun 712 when the authorized user picksup the gun, as shown in FIG. 21. For example, if a police officer has agovernment issued gloc, the gloc will not unlock and fire unless asignal from the information module 103 b, worn by the police officer, istransmitted to the information module 103 a (which would then allowremediator 160 to enable the gun). If the police officer takes off thering or watch and leaves it at home, he may not be able to fire his gununless he goes back home and gets the ring or watch. The transmissionfrom information module 103 b to 103 a would be unique, such as at aparticular frequency, so that each gun has its own unique unlockingtransmission. If a child picks up the police officer's gun, the gun willremained locked. If a criminal picks up the police officer's gun, thegun will remain locked (unless, of course, the child or criminalacquires or takes the information module 103 b from the police officer).

System 100 may also comprise software 161 to be used with a controller162, which is utilized to process and manage mobile element-relatedinformation 104. Controller 162 preferably comprises a personal digitalassistant (PDA), hand held processor, portable computer, and/or anyother processor 120.

Best Mode

As shown in FIGS. 7-13, the best mode of the present invention providesfor a mobile element 102, such as a non-provisional patent application410, to be mailed in a carrier 101, such as a blue cardboard expressmail envelope or some other postal container 412, comprising at leastone information module 103, as shown in FIG. 8, preferably integratedwith postal container 412 during the manufacturing of postal container412. FIG. 7 demonstrates a prior art express mail envelope. Eachinformation module 103 comprises at least one communication element 105and at least one information operations element 119. Each communicationelement 105 preferably comprises a transmitter 108, a receiver 112, andat least one sensor 106. Each information operations element 119comprises at least one processor and at least one data storage element122. In addition, six stations 140 are preferably utilized.

A mail sender 402 would utilize a first station 140, such as a homecomputer 414, as shown in FIG. 9, to transmit mobile element-relatedinformation 104, such as the name 416, street address 418, zip code 420of a mail recipient 404, digital postal credits 422 (cost of shippingdeducted from a credit account mail sender 402 has with the USPS),recipient information 424, and express mailing number 426, to thereceiver 112 comprising postal container 412. Information 416, 418, 420,422, 424, and 426 would then be stored in the data storage element 122comprising postal container 412. Mail sender 402 would then place patentapplication 410 into postal container 412, and seal shut the postalcontainer 412. Mail sender 402 would then deliver express mail box 112to a first USPS employee 406.

First USPS employee 406 would then deliver postal container 412 to asecond station 140, such as a USPS mail sorter 440, as shown in FIG. 10.Information 104 would be autonomously transmitted from postal container412 to USPS mail sorter 440, whereby USPS mail sorter 440, autonomouslysorts and/or forwards postal container 412 to a transporter (specific tothe destination information of zip code 420), such as an airplane 444,as shown in FIG. 11. Airplane 444 may serve as both a carrier 101, and athird station 140, as shown in FIG. 11, compiling the mobileelement-related information 104 (of all mobile elements 102 carried byairplane 444), in a data storage element 122 comprising airplane 444. Afourth station 140, comprising a USPS ground station 446, as shown inFIG. 11, could track the entire USPS plurality of transporters,utilizing mobile element-related information 104 transmitted fromtransporters such as airplane 444, other airplanes, trains, and trucks.In addition, a station 140 may comprise software 900 that provides theUSPS with detailed position tracking of all USPS transporters comprisinginformation modules 103, as well as all of the USPS postal containerscomprising information modules 103. The software 900 may also compriseprocesses for organizing mobile element-related information 104 such asthe position of several packages headed to the same zip code, as well asweight distributions across an airplane (for such purposes as balancingthe weight of the plane for a safer and stabilized flight). All of thepostal containers (comprising information modules 103) on airplane 444could then be autonomously sorted utilizing street address information418. A sensor 106 on a postal container could be utilized to detect thepresence of hazards, such as anthrax or other bacteria or viruses,located on other parcels moving through the USPS, as well as to detectif a postal container has been opened.

A second USPS employee 406, located at the destination of postalcontainer 412, could then deliver postal container 412 to mail recipient404, utilizing name information 416 transmitted from postal container412 to a fifth station 140, such as a hand held device 470 utilized bysecond USPS employee 406, as shown in FIG. 12.

Mail recipient 404, in this case the PTO, as shown in FIG. 13, couldthen use recipient information 424, transmitted from postal container412 to a sixth station 140, such as a PTO receiving station 472. In thisembodiment, information 424 comprises patent application informationsuch applicant name, application type (such as non-provisional), chargeaccount number, and/or other information necessary to processing mailreceived by the PTO. PTO receiving station 472, comprising the PTOdatabase, would then upload applicant's information for PTO processing,without ever manually typing any information into a PTO computer. Sender402 could then be contacted, such as by text messaging or email,indicating that postal container 412 has been opened (ifcross-referenced with positional information, sender 402 can confirmthat the postal container 412 was opened at the PTO building).

Alternatively, mail sender 402 could have transmitted the aboveinformation 104, to another type of carrier 101, such as an expressmailing label 490. For example, a label one centimeter by one centimeterin size, less than a millimeter thick, and adhesively attachable to anenvelope. Express mailing label 490 may also comprise a USPS hologram492, so as to indicate that the label is USPS authentic and that it is amailing label and not some other label. Sender 402 may also be contactedwhen a sensor 106 detects that label 490 is separated from patentapplication 410.

Alternatively, postal container 412 could have additionally beenmanufactured with a housing 170 that encapsulates information module103, and contains a fluid 176. The fluid 176 would protect informationmodule 103 from damage, where, for example, postal container 412 isdropped on the ground and the impact of the ground would have otherwisedamaged information module 103.

Similarly, system 100 could be applied to DVD's 720, CD's, othermerchandise, and/or other sellables 196, such that a person at a storewould not have to scan each separate piece of merchandise. For example,a shopper could walk a grocery cart through or passed large stations140, such as checkpoints, which account for each sellable or piece ofmerchandise simultaneously, rather than by scanning each item, allowingfor a rapid checkout. The transmissions from each information module 103on each item would be picked up simultaneously, providing the buyer withan instant “total price”. Alternatively, sellables could be checked outindividually as they are taken by the shopper, and unchecked out ifplaced back on the shelf. Software 900 could track, at anytime, whichsellables and merchandise are being carried at any given moment by anygiven shopper. An additional information module 103, for example,comprising a credit card or means for payment, could be debited by thecheckpoint immediately following a determination of the total price. Asa result, grocery shoppers could fill their grocery carts (or other someother grocery carrier) with numerous sellables, then proceed past acheckpoint, which completes the sales transaction in a matter ofseconds, without the grocery shoppers ever breaking stride. Furthermore,grocery shoppers could then fill grocery bags as they shop, rather thanafter checking out at a register. Depending on the transmission range ofthe checkpoint, the shopper may not have to “pass” the checkpoint atall, as each item is checked out as it is taken off a shelf. Also as aresult, a grocery cart (or some other grocery carrier) could nowcomprise a means for packaging or “bagging” groceries or othermerchandise. Security personnel and supply personnel at a store couldtrack every piece of merchandise in the store's possession (includingtrucks, warehouses, and stores), on a computer monitor, using positionaltracking software 900.

Similarly, system 100 could be applied to luggage. For example, anairline could ensure that all luggage on a particular flight is actuallyon the correct airplane, as a station 140 proximate to the airplanewould “scan” all of the luggage simultaneously. A piece of luggage,which was accidentally loaded onto the wrong airplane, could then beremoved.

Similarly, system 100 could be applied to weapons. Military entitiescould account for the location of all weapons 190 and all bullets 710 atall times (the final embedded location in the case of a bullet), asshown in FIG. 21. Utilizing software 900, the military and lawenforcement agencies would be able track trajectories and createtimelines for attacks and shootings by analyzing weapon positions uponfiring and comparing them to the final destination of the correspondingbullet or other weapons projectile.

Similarly, system 100 could be applied to identification (I.D.). Acustomer 742 carrying a document 740, such as an I.D. or driver'slicense, while entering a bar, could be “checked” for age, by acheckpoint station 140, to ensure they are at least 21 years old. Aphoto 743 and other information related to the customer 742, transmittedfrom the information module 103 comprising document 740, could appear ona station 140 proximate to a bar employee 741 who could compare thephoto 743 and information to the customer 742, as shown in FIG. 20.Patrons at a stadium event could be “checked” for identification andscanned for an admision “ticket”, by a checkpoint station 140, allowingdozens of patrons to enter simultaneously, rather than having stadiumemployees tediously check individual tickets. Furthermore, such aconfiguration could be networked to DMV and law enforcement databases,alerting law enforcement to the presence of a person (with anoutstanding arrest warrant, etc.) at a particular bar (or other locationwith such a checkpoint configuration).

Analogous to the use of an envelope with mail, a person could quicklyintegrate system 100 with a mobile item utilizing carriers 101, such asclips, labels, staples, stickers, etc, comprising information modules103, as shown in FIG. 18. Such carriers 101 would allow people workingtogether in an office to forego writing out “to”, “from”, “regarding”,and similar information, when transporting items, such as documents, toeach other. A “scanning” station 140 (preferably comprising the person'scomputer) located on each person's desk could scan for such informationand cause the information to appear on the recipient's computer screen,a handheld device, or some other display station 140 (recipient does nothave to be in the office). For example, “inbox: paperwork; from JohnDoe; needs your signature” would appear on the recipients computerscreen, so as to eliminate the necessity of the recipient to shufflethrough the paper work and figure out why a document was sent to him orher. Such mobile element-related information 104 could be “attached” tothe clip, sticker, or label by the sender utilizing a station 140 and/orvoice recognition software or pre-programmed clips (such clips beingused for repeated tasks, such as acquiring the signature of therecipient). A recipient could listen to a detailed “text attachment” or“audio attachment” provided by the sender which instructs the recipientwhat to do with a document (or any other physical item received).

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5 b, medical establishments 771 could use aninput 151 to order prescriptions 772 utilizing an information module 103comprising medical establishment 771, such as a handheld device, whichimmediately transmits to a station 140 comprising a pharmacy 773.Preferably, the prescription is ready before the prescribee arrives atthe pharmacy 773.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5 c, individual soldiers 775 on abattlefield, without speaking, could use an input 151 comprising aninformation module 103 and a carrier 101, such as a wristband, to relayinformation 104 to a command post station 776 or other stations 140 usedby other soldiers 777, preferably a command post station 140 capable ofexecuting orders 778, such as a orders to provide air support, launchmissiles at a specific GPS position, etc.

Similarly, a wireless earpiece 702 worn by people who want to handlephone calls while still having both hands free and no wires or actualphone devices getting in their way, as shown in FIG. 18. The singlewireless earpiece could receive calls from phone devices such as thecell phone 701 of cell phone user 711, home phone, computer phone,and/or work phone. The actual phone device would not have to be held upto the person's ear with one hand, nor would a wire from the phonedevice to a non-wireless earpiece interfere with the person's hand andarm movement, or limit the person's range of movement. A wirelessreceiver could also be attached to the earpiece 702, clothing 706, orsome other portion of the person, such that the person would not have tospeak into the receiver comprising an actual phone device (such a phonedevice could be voice activated or only touched by the person whenanswering or hanging up on a caller). Similarly, an information module103 could be integrated into the audio or speaker system of a vehicleallowing for hands free reception of calls from the person's cell phone,home phone, computer phone, and/or work phone. A receiver 704 could beplaced on the steering wheel 703 or anywhere else on the interior of thevehicle such that the person would not have to speak into the receivercomprising the actual phone device receiving the call. In addition,system 100 provides for manual and automatic uploading of data stored oncell phone 701, so as to provide for a backup of data, such as storedphone numbers, where cell phone 701 is damaged, lost, or stolen, as wellas an information module 103 comprising cell phone 701 capable ofreceiving television transmissions to be output on cell phone 701.

In the embodiments described above, the words “a,” “an,” and “one” arenot intended to mean “only one” but can also mean any number greaterthan one. Similarly, plural terms are sometimes used for convenience andare not necessarily intended to mean “more than one” but can also meanjust “one.” In addition, within the embodiments described above, themodifier “and/or” has been utilized to indicate that either modifier maybe used in that surrounding group. For example, “X and/or Y” represents“X and Y”, as well as “X or Y”.

While there has been illustrated and described what is at presentconsidered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the true scope of the invention.Therefore, it is intended that this invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A discreet information system, used to provide mobile element-relatedinformation involving at least one mobile element, comprising, incombination: plurality of information modules located proximate to theat least one mobile element; wherein said plurality of informationmodules comprise at least one communications element; wherein said atleast one communications element comprises at least one transmitter;wherein at least one of said plurality of information modules isembedded in at least one carrier; wherein at least one of said pluralityof information modules comprise at least one station; wherein said atleast one station comprises at least one information operations element;wherein said at least one information operations element comprises atleast one data processor; and wherein said at least one communicationselement comprises at least one receiver.
 2. A system according to claim1 wherein said at least one station comprises at least one input.
 3. Asystem according to claim 1 wherein said at least one station comprisesat least one output.
 4. A discreet information system, used to providemobile element-related information involving at least one mobileelement, comprising, in combination: a plurality of information moduleslocated proximate to the at least one mobile element; wherein saidplurality of information modules comprise at least one communicationselement; wherein said at least one communications element comprises atleast one transmitter; wherein at least one of said plurality ofinformation modules is embedded in at least one carrier; wherein atleast one of said plurality of information modules comprises at leastone housing; and wherein said at least one housing comprises at leastone liquid.